BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The St. Kitts-Nevis government has described as “baseless and misleading” allegations that the JNF General Hospital is “infested by rats”.
JFN Hospital (File Photo)In a statement, the Ministry of Health said it “strongly condemns” the claims, adding “these accusations are both baseless and misleading, aimed at creating unwarranted fear and distrust in our primary healthcare institution”.
It said that the video being circulated on social media “lacks any credible evidence of its date or time, raising serious doubts about its authenticity.
“It is highly plausible that this footage was taken years ago and is now being used maliciously to undermine public confidence in our healthcare system. Over the past two years, the Ministry of Health has undertaken significant measures to address the disrepair in which the JNF General Hospital was found,” it added.
The hospital, which was commissioned for use in December, 1967, replaced the Cunningham Hospital that had been in existence from 1848.
The ministry said that among the upgrades is that the entrance to the JNF General Hospital has been completely transformed “into a modern, calming, and aesthetically pleasing space” and that “this project has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from both patients and visitors, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the patient experience”.
It said that these and other fixes and upgrades were done through the public-private partnership and with the trust of the members of the corporate community.
“Also, we are reminded of our fruitful partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan), where extensive repairs have been made to the hospital’s roof. Many existing structures, long neglected, have been treated and updated, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for patients and staff alike.”
The Ministry said it has invested substantially in cutting-edge medical tools, significantly improving the range of specialist care available at JNF General Hospital, adding “these efforts are part of a broader initiative to transform the JNF General Hospital into a leading healthcare facility in the region.
“We urge the public not to be swayed by bad actors and political entities who are attempting to sow seeds of distrust in the only healthcare system we have. Instead, we invite all citizens to join us in our ongoing efforts to improve and modernize our healthcare services,” the ministry added.
